By Nichola Groom
The American Petroleum Institute (API), the nation’s top oil and gas trade group, is calling on President-elect Donald Trump to eliminate many of President Joe Biden’s climate change policies that they believe threaten jobs, consumer choice, and energy security in the United States.
API has outlined a series of requests for Trump’s incoming administration, including scrapping vehicle emissions standards that encourage the production of electric vehicles, resuming export permits for liquefied natural gas facilities, and working with Congress to repeal a fee on methane emissions from drilling operations.
Despite Biden’s efforts to transition the U.S. economy to clean energy sources, the domestic oil and gas industry is currently experiencing record levels of production. API CEO Mike Sommers emphasized the importance of an all-of-the-above approach to energy, rather than government mandates and restrictions.
API’s policy priorities also include rescinding California’s ability to enforce stricter tailpipe emissions standards than federal rules, repealing EPA clean vehicle regulations, supporting LNG exports, increasing oil and gas drilling auctions in the Gulf of Mexico, and easing restrictions on oil and gas development on federal lands.
The group unveiled its requests shortly after ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods expressed support for the U.S. remaining in the Paris climate agreement, despite Trump’s previous pledge to withdraw from the accord. Exxon has previously advocated for staying in the agreement and supported Biden’s decision to rejoin it in 2021.
API’s focus remains on reducing emissions and meeting global energy needs, regardless of the United States’ participation in the Paris climate agreement.
Analysis:
The U.S. oil and gas industry is urging President-elect Donald Trump to reverse several climate change policies implemented by President Joe Biden. These policies are seen as threats to jobs, consumer choice, and energy security in the country. Despite efforts to transition to clean energy sources, the industry is currently experiencing record levels of oil and gas production. The industry is advocating for an all-of-the-above approach to energy and is calling for the elimination of various regulations and restrictions. The debate over climate policies and energy production will continue to shape the future of the U.S. economy and environmental efforts.